Occupational risk in flexible forms of employment in Greece

Abstract "Flexible" employment, such as part-time, temporary, short-term or self- employment increased during last decades in the context of deregulation of labour market in Greece and in other member states of the European Union. However, despite these trends, limited statistical data and research do not allow for safe conclusions on occupational risk in these forms of employment. Estimating occupational risk in flexible employment is a product of two uncertainties: a) poor accident data (under-reporting) and b) poor labour data (informal employment). Still, it is a scientific challenge to identify these forms of employment and occupational accidents and occupational diseases in sectors where these flexible forms are increasing; these sectors also happen to be among the most dangerous for occupational health and safety (OHS). In this paper it is attempted to analyses the phenomenon of flexible employment, (focusing on the case of Greece) so as to indicate its implications for OHS, especially in the context of the deregulated labour environment. The most important features of flexible employment in Greece are presented, along with estimates for its magnitude. On the other hand, the implications of these forms of employment on occupational risk are explored, aiming to build a holistic picture of this phenomenon